Gourmet Bacon and Corn Bread Pudding
Elevate your dining experience with this delectable Gourmet Bacon and Corn Bread Pudding, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. This savory dish combines tender bread cubes with crispy bacon, sweet corn, and a hint of fresh thyme, all enveloped in a rich and creamy custard. Ideal as a side dish for roasted pork, baked chicken, or grilled fish, this bread pudding is sure to steal the spotlight on your dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
French baguette
2 cups (cubed (1 inch))
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix
1 (1 ounce) package
shallots
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
corn
1 cup (fresh or frozen)
bacon
6 slices (cooked and rough chopped)
eggs
3 large
half-and-half cream
2 cups
sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon ((preferably Red Hot))
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon
fresh thyme
3 sprigs (leaves removed and chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the cubed French baguette and toss to coat. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix. Cook and stir until the bread cubes are lightly browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent but not brown. Incorporate the corn and cooked bacon; cook for an additional 3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before combining with the bread.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half cream, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix until well blended. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
5
Gently fold in the corn and bacon mixture with the reserved bread cubes, ensuring even distribution. Allow the mixture to rest for 3 minutes to let the bread absorb some of the custard.
6
Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish and spoon the bread mixture into it. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining Hidden Valley seasoning, lemon zest, and fresh thyme. Mix well to combine and then sprinkle this topping evenly over the bread mixture.
7
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Then sprinkle the topping over the pudding and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Bacon and Corn Bread Pudding?
It is a savory side dish made with cubed French baguette, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and a creamy ranch-infused custard.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cubed French baguette, specifically cut into 1-inch pieces.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How do I prepare the bread cubes?
Toss the bread cubes in olive oil and ranch seasoning, then cook them in a skillet for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen corn for this recipe.
What kind of seasoning mix is used?
The recipe uses a 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix.
How should the shallots be cooked?
Sauté the finely chopped shallots in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
What type of cheese is included in the custard?
Half a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is stirred into the egg and cream mixture.
How long should the mixture rest before baking?
Let the mixture rest for 3 minutes to allow the bread cubes to absorb the custard.
What size baking dish is required?
A 1.5-quart baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
What ingredients are in the crispy topping?
The topping consists of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, lemon zest, and fresh thyme.
How long is the total baking time?
The pudding bakes for a total of 45 minutes: 20 minutes initially, followed by 25 minutes after adding the topping.
Is the bacon cooked before adding it to the pudding?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked and rough chopped before being incorporated into the mixture.
What liquid is used for the custard base?
The recipe uses 2 cups of half-and-half cream mixed with three large eggs.
Does this recipe include any spicy ingredients?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce, preferably Red Hot, to add a hint of heat.
What fresh herb is used in the topping?
Fresh thyme leaves, removed from the sprigs and chopped, are used in the breadcrumb topping.
How can I tell when the bread pudding is finished baking?
It is done when the top is puffed and golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
What main dishes pair well with this savory pudding?
It is an ideal side dish for roasted pork, baked chicken, or grilled fish.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of olive oil, used in divided portions.
What adds a citrus note to the dish?
Half a teaspoon of lemon zest is mixed into the panko topping for a hint of citrus.
Should the dish be covered while in the oven?
No, the instructions specify baking the pudding uncovered.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs.
Is the Parmesan cheese shredded or grated?
The recipe specifies using grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.
Can I use regular onions instead of shallots?
While shallots are preferred for their mild flavor, you can substitute them with finely chopped onions if necessary.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 6 slices of bacon for this dish.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
It is best served warm after letting it cool slightly.
What gives the bread pudding its savory profile?
The combination of bacon, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and shallots creates its gourmet savory flavor.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The custard is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the role of panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are used to create a light and crispy texture for the pudding's topping.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients required to make this Gourmet Bacon and Corn Bread Pudding.